Oaklands School is a happy place where pupils thrive. They arrive keen to start each day and are greeted by caring staff who know them well and keep them safe. Pupils are enabled to have a voice through every activity they do at school. They are deliberately encouraged by staff to communicate their thoughts and opinions and to make choices. Staff ensure that they notice what works best for each pupil. They help them in very individualised ways. This means pupils develop and progress considerably during their time here. This is reflected across a range of areas, including pupils’ communication skills, knowledge and well-being. Pupils meet the high expectations staff have of their behaviour and achievement. They are calm in lessons, work hard to improve their understanding of the world and become more independent. This means pupils are well prepared for their next steps educationally and in life. Pupils are supported to access the community and gain work experience through a wellstructured programme of visits and workshops. This includes working in the school café, collecting recycling, and shopping for and preparing meals. Pupils and students visit galleries, museums and theatres and practise travelling on public transport.